How to Choose Eyeglass Frames: The Complete Guide
Eyewear · Buying Guide
How to Choose Eyeglass Frames: The Complete Guide
Choosing eyeglass frames comes down to five things: your face shape, the fit and size, the frame material, the colour, and your lifestyle. Get those right and the frame will look good and feel good every day. Here is how to work through each one.
In this article
- How do you choose the right eyeglass frames?
- Start with your face shape
- Get the size and fit right
- Choose a frame material
- Pick a colour that suits you
- Match frames to your lifestyle
- Frames to try
- Frequently asked questions
How do you choose the right eyeglass frames?
The simplest way to choose eyeglass frames is to work through five factors in order: face shape, fit, material, colour, and lifestyle. Start with the shape that balances your face, make sure the size actually fits, then pick a material and colour that suit how you look and live. Frames you will wear every day should feel effortless, so comfort and fit matter just as much as the look.
Start with your face shape
The most flattering frames balance your face rather than echo it. Angular frames suit round faces, softer rounded frames suit square faces, and oval faces carry almost any shape. Heart-shaped faces are balanced by lighter frames that are wider at the top, and diamond faces suit oval and gently curved styles. Our guide to eyeglasses for your face shape maps every shape to its best frames.
Get the size and fit right
Even a beautiful frame fails if it does not fit. The frame should sit level, hold in place without pinching, and match the width of your face so the arms rest comfortably over your ears. Look at the three numbers printed inside any pair that fits you well, which give the lens width, bridge, and temple length. Our guide on how to measure your face shows you how to find your size at home.
Choose a frame material
Frame material shapes the weight, durability, and character of your glasses. Lightweight materials like TR90 and modern plastics are comfortable for all-day wear and hold up well to daily life. Metal frames feel refined and slim, while acetate offers rich colour and a solid, premium feel. Choose based on how the frame will be worn: something light and tough for busy days, something more expressive for a statement look.
Pick a colour that suits you
Frame colour works best when it harmonises with your undertone. Warm undertones suit gold, brown, honey, and tortoise. Cool undertones suit black, silver, grey, and blue. Neutral undertones can carry almost any colour. Consider your hair and everyday wardrobe too, and decide whether you want the frame to blend in or stand out. Our guide to matching frames to your undertone makes this easy.
Match frames to your lifestyle
Finally, think about how you live. If you spend long hours on screens, a bluecut frame adds comfort through the day. If you are active or often on the move, prioritise a light, durable frame that stays put. If your glasses are part of how you present yourself at work, a clean, confident shape earns its place. The right frame fits your days, not just your face.
Frames to try
Here are three in-stock frames from the Rawbare Frames range, each lightweight with a blue light filter and 100% UV400 protection, ideal for screen-heavy days.
Key takeaways
Frequently asked questions
